Ecosystem and Biodiversity, Research Paper Example

Ecosystems – Introduction

An ecosystem is a collective word to describe all the living organisms in the specific area. It also includes the environment and their interaction with each other. There are different forms of ecosystems; from rainforests to the surroundings of a lake where specific environment is created for the life of different species. Ecosystems change constantly, depending on the climate, environment and movement of species, as well es the ecological suppression, but most lately the effects of human life and actions have been studied in detail. Every ecosystem has its own balanced way of using and reproducing energy.

Exotic Species

Exotic species have a certain criteria for living conditions, therefore, their ecosystems need to be preserved. However, during the evolution some of the species have adapted to the changes of the environment. This has caused them to invade new habitats. Exotic species are usually non-indigenous to the ecosystem and when they become invasive they threaten its balance, 

Invasive Species Problem

Two reports have been reviewed regarding the invasion of exotic species to reveal the effects of their expansion of habitat. Vitousek et al. (1997) conclude that introduced or invasive species are a part of human caused global change. The authors talk about Eurasian Zebra mussels in North America. The growth of their population creates economic and ecological consequences; they cover the bottom of lakes and rivers, cause industrial water pipes to block and clearing them away to preserve water supply costs hundreds of millions of dollars for the authorities. The invasion has many negative effects on the economy and health services alike.

The Coastal Resources Fact Sheet (online) provides estimates of the total damage caused by the introduction of non-indigenous species. Ecologically; the species change the ecosystem significantly; use its energy sources and occasionally replace indigenous species. On the other hand, they often reproduce with natural inhabitant, resulting in hybrids. Diseases carried by exotic species into the ecosystem can also endanger other living creatures present. If the invasive species has a high reproduction rate and no natural predators, they can threaten other habitat. Most importantly; they interfere with the existing food chain of the ecosystem.

Economically, the elimination of native species can damage the economic sector. They can also reduce the facilities of recreation in the area, damaging touristic opportunities. Eurasian Zebra mussels were first introduced in the Great Lakes in the 1980-s and since then they have invaded many of America’s largest rivers.

The main problems invasive species cause the ecosystem are primary productivity, hydrology, decomposition, competition with native species, often resulting in the drop of their population. This way, especially if they do not have natural predators and reproduce fast, they would reduce the area’s biodiversity. Furthermore, Vitousek et al. (1997) confirm that invasions are closely related to extinctions. They provide an example that in 1991 44 freshwater fish species were threatened because of the introduction of non-native species in the area.

Conclusion

Controlling the population and the introduction of non-indigenous species in ecosystems is one of the most important challenges of ecological scientists. Educating the public about new and invasive species is a challenge, however, policies and international agreements are needed to fully tackle the problem, which is a part of a larger issue; the effect of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystems.

Works Cited

“Exotic Species. An Ecological Roulette with Nature” Coastal Resources Fact Sheet. Web. http://massbay.mit.edu/resources/pdf/factsheet.pdf Accessed: 04/02/2012

Vitousek, P., Antonio, C., Loope, L., Rehmanek, M. and Westbrooks, R. (1997) “Introduced Species: A Significant Component of Human-caused Global Change“ New Zealand Journal of Ecology (1997) 21(1)

Miller, T. and Spoolman, S. (2011) “Essential of Ecology” Chapters 3-4-5